Multiple biopsies - bmx or lumpectomy

ouray17

Meet with the surgical onco in the morning. Friday, I had 6 additional biopsies - 3 in each side. In addition to the .7 mm IDC, there are 2 more .3 mm areas that are both cancer. The .7 is at 10'oclock, one is at 4'oclock and one on the chest wall. With multiple nodules, will a mastectomy be the only option? I've been told that some doctors wont do a bmx to remove a healthy breast. With 3 areas needing biopsies to rule out in my "good" breast, would those growths that came up in the last couple of years be a reason to have a bmx?

Just trying to get information together before tomorrow.

Thanks,

Karen

lrwells50

My BS had no problem doing a BMX, and after the surgical labs came back, there were changes in the "good" breast that were precancerous. Also, my original biopsy and an MRI biopsy both came back IDC, but the surgical biopsy said ILC, which is more likely to recur, so I'm really glad I did the BMX

Lula73

sounds like you've got something going on in both breasts. I had pre-cancer (atypical hyperplasia and calcifications) in left and a 1cm idc/dcis in right. No problem getting BMX with natural tissue reconstruction. Sounds like your areas are scattered so that would be a big question to ask if you choose lumpectomy as far as how it will look after and what are recurrence chances. Good luck tomorrow and let me know if you have questions about natural tissue recon vs implants

ouray17

Lula,

Thanks! How has your recovery gone? And why did you decide on natural vs implants? This is starting to feel a little overwhelming.

NotVeryBrave

A lumpectomy would probably not be considered for three widely scattered tumors. I expect your BS will recommend MX.

As far as the other breast - it's probably your call, assuming biopsies come back negative. I opted for BMX partly because they were recommending yet another follow up MRI in 6 months on the "good" breast.

It is all overwhelming for sure! It's important to be educated, but it's a steep learning curve. Ask a bunch of questions - write them down with the answers - and get second opinions. Good luck!

lrwells50

My biggest problem with the follow up MRIs, is the high number of false positives